Motorists using the M6 in the North East of England are being warned to brace for significant disruption from the start of the new year. Essential work to replace a vital but ageing railway bridge will force a series of full motorway closures, impacting journeys from Friday, 2 January 2026.
Essential Bridge Replacement Project
National Highways, in partnership with Network Rail and contractor Skanska, is undertaking a critical project to replace the railway bridge at Clifton. This structure sits near junctions 39 and 40 of the M6. The bridge is approximately 60 years old and has now reached the end of its safe operational life.
The £196 million package of work is designed to make future journeys safer and more reliable for all road users and rail passengers. Network Rail has confirmed that preparatory work has already started, with the main bridge replacement operation scheduled for early January 2026.
Major Road and Rail Closures Detailed
The project will necessitate extensive closures on both the road and rail networks. On the roads, the M6 will be fully closed in both directions on two consecutive weekends.
The first closure runs from 8pm on Friday, 2 January until 5am on Monday, 5 January 2026. The second follows from 8pm on Friday, 9 January until 5am on Monday, 12 January 2026.
During these periods, all traffic will be prohibited on the M6 between junction 39 at Shap and junction 40 near Penrith. Furthermore, to allow for safe site access, Lane 1 and the hard shoulder on both carriageways will remain closed for over a year.
Simultaneously, rail services will be heavily affected. The West Coast Main Line will be closed for rail traffic between 31 December 2025 and 15 January 2026 to facilitate the bridge replacement.
Planning Ahead for Disruption
Authorities have acknowledged that some disruption is inevitable but stress they are working closely to minimise the impact. A spokesperson for Network Rail stated: "We're working closely with our partners at Skanska and National Highways to coordinate this carefully, and we'll keep you posted on what to expect at each stage."
Drivers, particularly those planning long journeys or freight movements in the first two weeks of January, are strongly advised to check travel updates before setting out. Alternative routes will need to be considered, and significant journey delays should be anticipated during the closure periods.
